Entries Tagged 'Cravings' ↓

Jamba Juice Philippines opens yet another store / branch, this time up north of Metro Manila, or more specifically SM City North – The Block.

Jamba Juice Merchandise

This is an expected strategic move by the fairly new Jamba Juice brand in the Philippines having opened earlier in the south with Jamba Juice Alabang and Jamba Juice SM Mall of Asia.

People from Caloocan and Quezon City can now enjoy California’s famed lifestyle brand and try their Banana berry smoothie and Fruit & Yogurt Parfait, among other juice and menu items.

Jamba Juice Menu

Jamba Juice Smoothie Preparation

Jamba Juice SM City North

Jamba Juice SM North The Block is the brand’s fourth store in Southeast Asia.

In their launch early this month, they brought in challenging and energetic activities like Zumba, wall climbing, biking, trampoline jumping, and the famous Bike Blender.

Ms. Sharon T. Fuentebella, Managing Director of Jamba Juice Phillippines

The Bike Blender is the tool that highlights Jamba Juice Philippines’ Give Me Five campaign. The project was first introduced in conjunction with the opening of their pioneering flagship store in Bonifacio High Street Central and was made possible through a partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry­­­-Guimaras National Mango Researcher and Development Center (BPI-GNMRDC).

“Aside from further bolstering the thrust of Jamba Juice as a brand that complements dynamic living, we wanted our customers to experience the thing that Jamba Juice passionately upholds,” says Sharon T. Fuentebella, Managing Director of Jamba Juice Phillippines.

Jamba Juice The Block Branch

We recently tried a regular smoothie from Jamba Juice SM City North The Block branch. It’s good that they have maintained the Jamba Juice price amidst aggressive marketing. We hope they would come up with new flavors soon.

Magnolia Cookie Monster was first released in the market a few months ago together with the Magnolia Ice Cream Best of the Philippines collection. It is endorsed by Philippine teen celebrity Elmo Magalona, son of the late Filipino celebrity rapper and music icon Francis Magalona.

A few months after and with an aggressive marketing, Magnolia, through a media event held at Magnolia Flavor House in the new Robinsons Magnolia mall, announced two new flavors or variants of the Magnolia Cookie Monster in addition to the Choco Classic. The two new flavors are Choco Caramel and Choco Hazelnut. A grand fans day for the  followers of Elmo Magalona was also held afterwards.

Magnolia Cookie Monster,Choco Classic

Magnolia Cookie Monster Choco Caramel and Choco Hazelnut

Yours truly was invited as a blogger to the launch and was able to try the new products.

The packaging design is generally the same as that of the Magnolia Cookie Monster Choco Classic but in yellow and red colors for the caramel and hazelnut flavors, respectively.

It’s main thrust is its over-indulgence with chocolate having been made with four different kinds of chocolate from coating to filling. The coating would remind you of the classic Pinipig Crunch because of the rice balls in the coating. I’m not sure if they are also rice crispies (pinipig) and they just changed the name for marketing reasons. You may also be briefly reminded of the Magnum craze, only more conservative (thinner coating).

Magnolia Cookie Monster Choco Hazelnut

Moreover, Magnolia Cookie Monster is filled with a fudgy center filling on the inside, surrounded by chocolate ice cream.

As per the taste, I found the caramel variant too sweet and was not even able to finish the whole choco-stick. For an ice cream lover such as I, my friends would be surprised of this rare occurrence.  🙂

Magnolia Cookie Monster Choco Caramel

On the other hand, the Choco Hazelnut (Top Photo) gets the thumbs up for it’s interesting twist on the flavor. It’s not common to find a hazelnut flavor in a choco ice cream bar which retails for only P20. However, the Choco Classic retains it’s top spot on my favorites.

Magnolia Cookie Monster TVC

Tomorrow – October 28, 2012 – the Magnolia Cookie Monster television commercial will be released in major television networks (watch the TVC video in advance here).

Elmo Magalona is still it’s endorser effectively catering to the young market, specially the ladies who usually succumbs to the impulse of buying one of the best comfort food known to man – ice cream. 🙂 And also, the play of words with ‘Elmo‘ and ‘Cookie Monster‘…Sesame Street, anyone?

If you haven’t tried the Magnolia Cookie Monster ice cream bars, you can find them in major supermarkets nationwide specially in Rustans Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, and Ministop outlets. Try their new flavors too – the Magnolia Cookie Monster Choco Hazelnut and Choco Caramel and see if my verdicts are right. But of course, don’t miss the Choco Classic which is a NomNomClub.com recommendation for a price-busting P20. Follow Magnolia Ice Cream on Facebook at Best of the Philippines & Magnolia Cookie Monster and Twitter as well at @MagIceCream & @MagCMonster.

Rockeoke Dinner with the Greenwich Barkada and Crispy Chicken

Greenwich Barkada

It was a fun night of music, good food, and bonding. It was my second Rockeoke Night with the Greenwich Barkada a few weeks ago at the Greenwich Katipunan branch in celebration of the successful campaign of the Greenwich Crispy Chicken.

As expected, the program started with hesitant singers who just need some prodding before they gave in. I’m always game for these things but not that night because I think I was about to get the flu. But just  like in high school, we sometimes give in to peer pressure. 🙂 I was actually with my fellow blogger and fiance Marjorie so we gave a duet just like what we did the first time a few months ago, but with a more daring song this time around.

The Greenwich team was also very game as they joined us in taking turns with the microphone. Thanks to “Ang Banda Ngayon” who supported us all through the fun night. The lady DJs also  joined us in the rockeoke.

Greenwich Rockeoke Night @ Katipunan Branch

Congratulations again to Greenwich for their successful Greenwich Crispy Chicken campaign. May Greenwich continue bringing about innovative a great-tasting products for its customers. Check them out at http://www.greenwich.com.ph/ ; Greenwich delivery is 5-5555.

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School Spirit Boost with new Jollibee University Floats Flavors

When it comes to displaying school pride, students will go the extra mile to stand out and be creative. This is how Jollibee adds fun to its refreshing twist of the all-new refreshing flavors of Jollibee University Floats.

Jollibee University Floats

DJ Gino Boi

Upon invitation, we had a sort of fun ‘braniac’ trivia game with other blogger teams last week. I was assigned to the green team representing the Green Honeydew Float. The other teams are Blue Berries Float, Yellow Pine-Orange, and Red Apple Float. Unfortunately, we lost; nonetheless we had a fun afternoon.

Jollibee Float

The Jollibee University Floats are available for only P28 (regular) or P38 for a giant size. You can also upgrade any regular value meal to Go Float just by adding P21.

For delivery, call Jollibee Express Delivery Service hotline at 8-7000 or log on to www.jollibeedelivery.com. Also available are Jollibee Coke, Sarsi, and my favorite Jollibee Coffee and Chocolate Floats.

Figaro Enterprise Building

As part of its continuous expansion of branches and franchise, Figaro opens yet another branch this time at the Enterprise Building in the Makati Central Business District – Figaro Enterprise.

The launch started with the traditional Catholic blessing  in the morning followed by, of course, a brief food tasting while it’s already open to the public.

Figaro Enterprise Branch Blessing

Figaro Coffee Shop Counter

Figaro Enterprise also serves as the pioneer branch for its updated store interior design incorporating a bar counter and a function table to maximize the space. For the regular Figaro customer, you would also observe that the branch is more lit in contrast to the usual dim setup.

Bar Counter

Figaro Meals

Figaro Pastries & Cakes

Figaro & Starbucks Neighbor

I love the new cushion pillows complimenting the sofa chairs which serves as a good laptop support. I am actually using it while typing this article while inside Figaro Enterprise sipping on a Cappuccino Frost and Smoked Salmon Sandwich.

I asked the franchisee how he considered the competitors literally surrounding the new branch – Starbucks in front, Coffee Republic at the back, Oliver’s Sandwiches across, and Ministop on the side – and he gamely answered that they are all friends.

He was also banking on Figaro’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals which differentiates Figaro from the pack.

Figaro Enterprise Crew

Congratulations to the franchisers and new owners of Figaro Enterprise who are a very young group of friends in their 30s. Kudos on your new business!

The last quarter of the year is a prime season for new products specially for those catching the Christmas season market. And just when the third quarter of 2012 was just about to end, Pepsi-Cola launched a coconut craze with the new Tropicana Coco Quench drink with super model Charo Ronquillo as its brand ambassador.

Tasting the Tropicana Coco Quench

I have recently tried the 330ml single-serve of Tropicana Coco Quench which retails at P30 and I liked it!

Being a fresh coconut juice drinker myself, I had reservations at first with its freshness since it’s a processed and packed good. I also thought it would be filled with preservatives for shelf-life – I was wrong.

I came to know that Tropicana Coco Quench actually has no preservatives and its container is made with Tetra Pack packaging techonology that replicates the protection of coconuts It has 6 protective layers to maintain quality and freshness for an 8-month shelf-life.

Tropicana Coco Quench 330ml Tetra Pack

Benefits of Coconut Water

• I have gathered some coconut water benefits in this list for reference as well:
• Naturally hydrating with less sugar and calories due to its electrolytes similar to the human plasma
• Rich source of iron, calcium, magnesium and 4 times higher potassium content than bananas
• Helps reduce food cravings and aid in weight loss
• Flushes out toxins

Tropicana Coco Quench – 1 Litre pack (reclosable & resealable)

I think Tropicana banked on the ubiquitous demand of coconut water not only in the Philippines but also around the world. It also brands itself as made from real coconut water and 100% fresh fit for any age. The same demand has also drawn global attention to the Philippines as one of the leading sources of coconut water in the world. I wish the new product all the best for the public to appreciate the portability it offers while getting the benefits of coconut waters

Aside from the 330 ml pack in a pull-tab mechanism, Tropicana Coco Quench also comes in a 1 litre pack with a reclosable and resealable cap for the coconut juice lover. 🙂

Although our editor-in-chief has been to previous UTT, Clasrissa and I were first-timers and excited to be “food critics” for a day in the recent Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2.

The Fruit Garden

Knowing that there would be 40 different food stalls to try at the Rockwell Tent, we had to craft a plan so we can try everything just like how our EIC made it in last year’s Ultimate Taste Test. I couldn’t imagine how to go through each and every booth so I told Clariss that we should start with main dishes such as pork, chicken, and other meat down to the desserts and beverages.

Frisch Liquor Ice Cream

We were given a set of food tray, a pen, and a map with a grading sheet with the names of the participating vendors. It’s actually our passport to every food stall. We don’t have to finish all the stalls but it would be an awesome experience if we do!

The Scoring System:

• 1 – Thanks, but it could be better
• 2 – It’s Okay
• 3 – We had a good time!
• 4 – I love it!
• 5 – Awesome! I would recommend!

Bayani Brew

The UTT management has made it very comfortable for the “food critics”, there’s enough space, drinking water dispenser and disposable plastic cups.

On my list, I actually had 12 different food stalls with a grade of 5, but will shorten it the Top 10. Let me share our great food finds with a grade of 5 at UTT2.

1. Hillside Ranch
o This is one of the most scrumptious meat entrée in UTT2. To be honest, I’m a little picky when it comes to meat. I always want it juicy, moist, flavorful but definitely not salty, and most of all tender! Available in two variants, the corned beef brisket an my favorite  slow roast beef belly. Unfortunately, they are not available in major supermarkets but you can buy them at Trellis in QC and Essel Supermarket in San Fernando, Pampanga (the province where they came from – a place famous for good food).

Hillside Ranch

2. Carlo’s Kitchen
o The crispy, crunchy goodness of Carlos Kitchen pork belly goes very well with a bottle of San Miguel Beer! I got to try it when I visited Mercato Centrale about few months ago. The flavour, which is not too salty, and the crispiness remain the same. Crunchy belly is good for “pulutan” (finger food or appetizer). I almost forgot my favourite Bulacan chicharon!

Carlo’s Kitchen

3. Baked by Anita
o Known for their delicious cupcakes, Baked by Anita surprised us with their newest offering – a flavourful savory pie called the “Wild Mushroom Gruyere & Truffle Oil”. The truffle oil made it more appealing to the palate.

Baked by Anita

UTT would not be complete without dessert such as creamy and irresistible ice cream, cakes, pastries and smoothies. Here’s my take on their dessert & beverage section.

4. Blue Togue
o When it comes to desserts, I highly recommend Blue Togue! Initially, I was hesitant to try the cakes and pastries since I had some cheesecake overload the past few days. As of this writing I still have two boxes of Conti’s cakes in my fridge. Nonetheless, their Nutella Mouse Cake looks so divine I can’t resist! And yes, I was bewitched with its moist and creamy chiffon. I highly recommend Blue Togue!

Blue Togue’s Nutella Mouse Cake

5. Matasami Flavoured Shave Ice
o This one is definitely different from other flavoured shave ice I tried in the past. I never thought it would be so smooth, so luscious, so creamy and so delicious! I tried two flavors – the Swiss Cheese and Langka, in favor of the former. The owner was very generous offering us to try other variants but I had to refuse. Perhaps on my next visit, I will try the Hawaiian Shave Ice and their liquor syrups.

o Matasami can be found in: SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta 4 Cinema Level and soon at Robinsons Magnolia.

Matasami

6. Villa Del Conte
o I’m already familiar with Villa del Conte as boyfie once gave me a box of these luscious, rich, premium chocolates.

Villa Del Conte

7. Saint Alps
o They served us their refreshing Blueberry Double Chocolate which was outstanding!

Saint Alps

8. Bayani Brew
o Bayani brew offers interesting and healthy beverages. I tried their Lemongrass Pandan Iced tea and Purple leaf tea Iced tea. Guess what is a purple leaf tea? It’s actually “talbos ng kamote” (kamote tops)! Interestingly, it doesn’t taste like kamote tops. However, the lemongrass pandan is just like a regular brewed iced tea but I liked it nonetheless! Each bottle costs P35.

Bayani Brew

9. Pinkberry – They served us Coconut Pinkberry and made us choose 3 toppings. It had a good balance of tanginess and sweetness to crave for.  Check out my separate post on Pinkberry.

10. Mochi Sweets

o A soft and not-too-sweet mocha dessert goes well with a cup of hot tea. Since we’re already full, I paired it with Nescafe Dolce Gusto Cappuccino.

Mochi Sweets

With a wide variety of food, I never thought I would be spending almost four hours at UTT2.

Other interesting food items are the Hokey Pokey Ice Cream from New Zealand Natural, Frisch Liquor Ice Cream, Maria’s Ilocos Empanada, Chef Anton, Lulu Belle, & the Plaza.

Bake Buddy

The Plaza

Nutella Rocks

On the other hand, there were two food stalls that I had to visit twice because they run out of food – Chief Wings and Chow Fun. The latter offered us their interesting chocolate butchi.

* Story and photos by Marjorie Pineda of www.livingmarjorney.com

New Zealand Natural

Maria’s Ilocos Empanada

Nescafe Dolce Gusto

Those are my Top 10 food items from Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2! I was so full I had to skip dinner that night.

San Mig Coffee Super

Anne Curtis further reaffirms her status today as one of the entertainment industry’s most visible and most successful stars as she becomes San Mig Coffee‘s newest brand ambassador.

“I am a regular coffee drinker and drinking coffee helps me a lot during a very busy day. The good thing about San Mig Coffee Super Packs is that there seems to be a variant for any time of the day…” says top celebrity Anne Curtis Smith.

This latest development form San Mig Super Coffeemix Co. Inc. is a step forward as they introduce new variants in launching the San Mig Coffee Super Packs – its newest line of coffee mixes. With the city’s super busy individuals in mind, the San Mig Coffee Super Packs contain energy-releasing B vitamins such as B1, B2 and B6.

San Miguel Super Coffeemix Co. Inc. General Manager Michael Allan Castro with Anne Curtis

San Mig Coffee Chococino

The four variants are:

• San Mig Coffee Super (20g)
• San Mig Coffee Brown (25g)
• San Mig Coffee White (28g)
• San Mig Coffee Chococino (25g)

San Mig Coffee Brown

I’ve tried all four with my breakfast recently and the first one is aptly named “Super” for its strong & bold coffeemix with full-bodied taste. The ‘White‘ one is on the creamy side with a smooth taste while the ‘Chococino‘ is cocoa with a blend of coffee.

But among the four, I liked the ‘Brown‘ most for its rich coffee taste and the distinct taste of brown sugar.

San Mig Coffee White

San Mig Coffee Super Packs

How about you, which of the four San Mig Coffee Super Packs would you be most interested to try?

If I’m not mistaken, this would be the first time Starbucks Philippines is offering breakfast tapa in their menu. Probably a come-on for those looking for a local taste, the new Starbucks sandwiches for breakfast are available starting today which also includes the Spam Black Pepper, Forest Ham, Breakfast Tapa & Egg, and Ratatouille & Mozzarella Cheese.

Released on a significantly historical day of September 11, the all-day breakfast sandwiches are made available in all Starbucks stores around the Philippines. I hope you are trying one now as you are reading this food blog so you can relate to my feedback.

The new Starbucks breakfast sandwiches has somehow made my breakfast more sophisticated as I’m simply used to either the usual Filipino breakfast of rice with egg and tapa or corned beef, or the more western style of milk and sandwich combo.

Starbucks Forest Ham Sandwich

For example, the Forest Ham is made with slices of forest ham, scrambled egg white and smoked Gouda cheese which makes it more flavorful as a sandwich but with less fat and on healthy toasty oat bread.

The second one is a vegetarian sandwich – the Ratatouille And Mozzarella Cheese (TOP PHOTO). It’s a healthy blend of cheese, spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, portobello and shiitake mushrooms, garlic and onions – all packed in-between a multi-grain bread. The usual perception on vegetarian sandwiches is being bland, but this one isn’t. In fact, I love it and wouldn’t have known it was vegetarian.

Starbucks SPAM Black Pepper Sandwich

Beef Tapa with Egg Sandwich

I’d predict the third would be a blockbuster – the Spam Black Pepper. Everyone’s favorite SPAM® is spiced up with black pepper, creamy scrambled egg and layered with melted American Cheddar cheese on cornmeal bread

And finally, Starbucks puts a twist to the traditional favorite Filipino breakfast – the ‘Breakfast Tapa & Egg‘.

Starbucks Philippines added garlic mayonnaise and put it in a whole wheat bread, instead of the staple rice (of course, we’re talking about sandwiches). It was an interesting approach for someone used to having their beef tapa in the morning with rice. 🙂

New Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches (Starting Sept 11, 2012)

I’ve got the chance to try all the new Starbucks breakfast sandwiches which are all priced similarly at Php 115 (US$2.78), Generally all four are good but my recommendations are the Ratatouille & Mozzarella cheese on multigrain bread and Spam Black Pepper w/ egg & Cheddar cheese on cornmeal bread.